Chicago Criminal Defense Attorney

Have you been charged with a crime?

There is hardly anything more harrowing in a person's life than the time following an arrest or a criminal charge. With the high stakes and life-altering affects that it can have, it is nothing to should be shrugged off or treated as if it will simply go away with time. If you have been charged with a crime, whether it is a DUI, robbery or a violent crime, it is absolutely imperative that you contact a Chicago criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. By bringing in a lawyer at the onset of the issue, you can avoid the potential pitfalls and mistakes that are sadly too easy to commit. Instead, you can work together to creating a comprehensive, thorough defense strategy best suited to your personal situation. Here are some of the criminal defense practice areas we handle:

Assault & Battery
Assault and battery are charges that carry very serious charges. Chicago law enforcement does not take these crimes lightly and you need a criminal defense lawyer who is able to defend you. Assault involves threatening someone and battery involves intentionally causing physical harm. Read more on assault and battery.

Auto Theft
If you have been accused of stealing a car or using someone's car without consent, you could be facing auto theft charges. If a weapon or violence is used, the crime is classified as vehicular hijacking and has more harsh penalties. Auto theft is usually charged as a felony because the value of most cars is over $10,000. To learn more, read auto theft.

Burglary
As burglary is always charged as a felony offense, you need an aggressive attorney to defend you in court. Burglary involves unlawfully trespassing on someone's property with the intention of committing a crime. Usually this crime is theft, but not necessarily. To read more, click burglary.

Clearing Your Record
If you have a criminal record, there is a way to have it cleared. Expungement or sealing are two ways to accomplish this. Expungement can clear your record and sealing can make your record private in cases of misdemeanors and felonies. To see if you qualify, read more information on clearing your record.

Domestic Violence
Domestic violence is any form of physical, emotional, or sexual abuse towards a member of one's household. This can also extend to any family member or partner who does not live in the household. Different forms include: child abuse, assault, battery, financial abuse, spousal rape, and harassment. For more information, please see domestic violence.

Drug Crimes
Some of the most heavily prosecuted crimes is Illinois are drug crimes. With this in mind, it is crucial that you retain the services of a qualified attorney. Whether you were arrested for drug possession, possession with intent to sell, drug manufacturing, distribution, or DUI involving drugs, a Chicago criminal defense attorney from our firm could help defend you in court. Read more on drug crimes.

DUI
If you were pulled over and found to have a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08% or higher, you could be convicted of driving under the influence. This does not only include alcohol, but legal and illegal drugs. To avoid having your license revoked or paying steep fines, contact an attorney from our firm. We will work hard to get your DUI charge dropped! Read more on DUI.

Felony Defense
Felony crimes face more severe penalties than misdemeanors. If you are convicted, you may have to spend time in jail and large fines. Depending on the offense, you may also lose driving privileges. A felony sex crime will require you to register as a sex offender which could hurt your reputation for life. Read more on felony defense.

Hate Crimes
What exactly is a hate crime? If you treated with violence because of your race, religion, sexual orientation, ethnicity, disability, or gender, it could be classified as a hate crime. This type of violence could include anything from verbal abuse to arson to battery to murder. To learn more, see hate crimes.

Hit and Run
If you have been involved in an accident and were accused of fleeing the scene, you could be facing very serious penalties. This could either be a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the unique circumstances of the case. If someone was injured or killed in the accident, it will be charged as a felony. For more information, please see hit and run.

Manslaughter
There is two types of manslaughter: involuntary manslaughter and reckless homicide. The difference between manslaughter and murder is that there is no premeditated plan or malice. Involuntary manslaughter is the unintentional killing of another person due to negligence or recklessness. Reckless homicide is the unintentional killing of an individual when a vehicle or watercraft is involved. Read more on manslaughter.

Misdemeanor Defense
Although not as severe as a felony, a misdemeanor can still land you in jail for up to a year. Misdemeanors vary based on the unique circumstances involved. If you have been arrested for shoplifting, petty theft, assault, battery, or DUI, you could be convicted of a misdemeanor. For more information, see misdemeanor defense.

Murder
Murder is the intentional taking of a life. First degree murder is premeditated and intentional and second degree murder is in not premeditated and is the result of a sudden bust of passion. Second degree murder is usually the case when the defendant has been strongly provoked or was afraid for their lives. To learn more, read murder.

Robbery
Robbery is theft that involves force of the threat of force. If you have been accused of robbery, you need to seek legal counsel immediately. If you were alleged to have a weapon, you could be charged with aggravated robbery or armed robbery. Depending on the circumstances, you could face Class 1 felony charges. Read more on robbery.

Sex Crimes
If you have been convicted of sexual battery, rape, date rape, prostitution, child molestation, internet pornography, or indecent exposure, you could be convicted of a sex crime. The state of Illinois takes sex crimes very seriously and will seek to prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law. For aggressive representation, talk to a Chicago criminal defense attorney from our firm. Read more on sex crimes.

Shoplifting
You may be under the impression that shoplifting is a minor offense, but a conviction could have lasting effects on your future. It is usually treated as a misdemeanor and you could spend up to one year in jail if convicted. If this is a second shoplifting charge, it could be charged as a felony. Read more on shoplifting.

Theft Crimes
Auto theft, robbery, burglary, shoplifting, credit card theft, embezzlement, forgery, and carjacking are all examples of theft crimes. You do not have to actually steal something to commit theft; the mere accepting of stolen goods could also land you in jail. To learn more about theft crimes, see theft crimes.

Traffic Tickets
By paying a traffic ticket, you are pleading guilty to a traffic violation. They can affect your driving record and if you are convicted of enough violations, you could have your driver's license suspended. Driving under the influence, speeding, running a red light, causing an accident, reckless driving, driving without a license, and street racing are all form of traffic violations. For more information, read traffic tickets.

Unlawful Use of a Weapon
Unlawful sale, use, or possession or a weapon can bring about very serious penalties. To protect your future, speak with a Chicago criminal defense attorney from our firm. We could make a huge difference in the outcome of your case. Read more on unlawful use of a weapon.

Violent Crimes
Violent crimes include several different types of crimes. Whether you have been accused of robbery, assault, battery, domestic violence, hate crimes, burglary, murder, manslaughter, or weapons charges, our firm is qualified to help you. To learn more about the penalties for violent crimes, read violent crimes.

White Collar Crimes

A white collar crime is a serious offense related to a theft or fraudulent type of activity, and usually committed by a person in a corporate or government setting. This type of accusation can bring devastation and financial ruin to an entire corporation. Click here to read more about white collar crimes.

Why a Criminal Attorney?
When faced with criminal charges, it is necessary to retain the services of an attorney. Since the government has an extensive amount of resources and manpower at their disposal, you need an aggressive legal representative to fight for you. Talk to a Chicago criminal defense attorney to learn more or read why a criminal attorney.

Criminal Defense Overview
If you have been arrested for any type of crime in Illinois, you should seek legal representation immediately. With the help of a professional, you could get your charge reduced or even dismissed. Speak to a Chicago criminal defense attorney from Fagan, Fagan & Davis to see how they could help you. Read more on criminal defense overview.

Criminal Defense Videos
If you would like more information concerning criminal defense cases, please watch our informational videos. The Chicago criminal defense attorneys from our firm have over one hundred years of experience in helping clients throughout Illinois. To find out more, please watch our criminal defense videos.

Knowledgeable Criminal Defense in Chicago

Here at Fagan, Fagan & Davis, we understand the emotional, mental and financial trauma that can accompany cases such as these. They are stressful, and can often appear overwhelming, if not impossible to overcome. Due to this, we are completely dedicated to offering our clients the full benefit of our combined years of experience, working tirelessly to defend them against the prosecution's attacks. With exhausting preparation and determined follow-through, we are often able to help our clients on their way to a successful result.

If you or a loved one is in need of legal defense, do not hesitate to contact a Chicago criminal defense attorney for dynamic legal representation and guidance.